Ethical_Business_Behavior

Ethical Business Behavior Is Not Optional Michelle Lewis Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Scott Levy November 7, 2010 My article review entitled Ethical Business Behavior Is Not Optional, written by A. F. Gray, published October 24, 2010 speaks about how every person possess tolerance for unethical behavior in business such as dishonesty, manipulation, and secrecy that could become a part of the way they do business. Mr. Gray explains that no one sets out to practice business this way, because the end result could mean legal ramifications or the business going bankrupt. As stated in the article the type of leadership an organization integrates has an important impact on the ethical behavioral practices within that organization. His position is being the least bit unethical could very well lead to bigger issues for themselves and the organization. The bigger issues he speaks of includes lies about finances, time & attendance, and hiring & firing decisions. As for any business keeping secrets pertaining to the reputation of the business, borders on unethical behavior. I believe he made this point because it misleads not only the internal factors, but also the external factors. Ignoring this type of behavior gives the impression that it is tolerated. By identifying and addressing the problems the ethical bar is raised throughout the organization. As the organization conforms to such behavior Mr. Gray believes that the only way to get things back on track is to do a full audit to find out where the practice of good business ethics was alleviated. As he concludes the article, no one is exempt from this kind of behavior, but the thing to remember is telling that first little white lie could lead to a trend of telling bigger lies over time. Be the type of leader that expects excellence from your staff and surround yourself with people who want to see you do the right thing and be bound by ethical business practices. Just as A. F. Gray explains, the importance of the type of leadership reflects on the ethical behavior practices. The text speaks of the same impact on ethical decision making in that leaders have the power to motivate and enforce the organization’s norms and policies as well as their own viewpoints. The statistics that the text speaks about when employees of large organizations were polled, only 47 percent believed that the senior leadership in their firm was ethical. This hinges on another point made in the article, that every person possesses a certain level of tolerance for unethical behavior. This doesn’t mean that these are preconceived decisions, but as we learned when we were kids’, one lie leads to an abundance of lies until the hole is too deep to dig out. Mr. Gray didn’t put a label on the type of leadership he spoke about, but in dissecting the article; I concluded that the transactional leader fits the profile. As the text describes the transactional leader focuses on ensuring that required conduct and procedures are implemented. Even the statement about the transactional leader being the best suited for rapidly changing situations regarding ethical problems and issues. In saying that, the article speaks of taking responsibility as a leader in a way that it will benefit the internal and external components of the organization. The text describes opportunity as results from conditions that either provide rewards, whether internal or external, or fail to erect barriers against unethical behavior. I relate this to the article because Mr. Gray speaks about paying attention to the behavior in the organization and addressing the problem so that ethical outcomes become the norm. When the problems are ignored this allow the opportunity for unethical behavior and gives the impression that it is tolerated by the organization. If ethical behavior displayed in an organization starts from the top and has the trickled down effect, the less likely employees are to make unethical decisions. I can relate to this article because I agree with A. F. Gray when he talks about everyone possessing tolerance for unethical behavior in business when it pertains to dishonesty, manipulation, and secrecy. I can admit that I have worked a job where I didn’t see any problem in taking a pen or a pack post-its’ home. I had this attitude because as the book states, this was the atmosphere of the organization. I thought this way because plenty of other people were doing it and maybe even stealing bigger ticket supplies. I’m not saying that I was right in taking that position, but I can be honest about my thought process. I have to say that this was the way of the business, because we didn’t feel that the organization or the managers led by example. We didn’t have the kind of manager that possessed an ethical attitude. In my opinion, she was very deceitful to the internal and external components of the organization. There was no accountability for her actions. She would lie for her own best interest. Obedience to authority comes to mind when thinking about this manager. I believe most of us felt obliged to follow her lead even when we felt our integrity was at stake. We were often prompted to mislead our customers when the outcome deemed bad for the organization. There was not a certain set of rules or practices plagued by the organization that needed to be followed. She had her own set of rules that we were to follow. The rule of thumb on a daily basis was different strokes for different folks. I believe that is why a lot of the employees didn’t respect her or the organization. As I remember her lies never started off small, they were always big. I don’t even think she had shame in her actions, which made it unbearable. Ultimately I resigned from the organization before she was asked to resign. The rumor was that she was retiring, but I have got word that she is working at a different company in a lower position. In essence I believe the opportunity was there for me and others to be unethical. As stated in the article and throughout the text the type of leadership in the organization heavily impacts the ethical behavior in the organization. In conclusion, I want to be the type of leader that believes it’s wrong to take a pen or a pack of post-its from my job. I want to impose an atmosphere that frowns on even the smallest of deceit and encourage a positive ethical existence for the entire organization. Works Cited Gray, A. F. (2010, October 24). Ethical Business Behaviour Is Not Optional. Retrieved November 7, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/'Ethical-Business-Behaviour-Is-Not-Optional&id=5258897 Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2008). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases. Mason, OH.